"The Devil Walks In Mattingly" by Billy Coffey is a novel that has a Stephen King feel to it with a Christian twist. Though a Christian Novel, it does"The Devil Walks In Mattingly" by Billy Coffey is a novel that has a Stephen King feel to it with a Christian twist. Though a Christian Novel, it does not preach to you. With beautiful lyrical writing and mystery edge theme you enter a world, a town named Mattingly where a young teenager died in the spring of 1990. Sheriff Jacob, his wife Kate, and Taylor Hathcock share in Philip's death. Each a prisoner of their sins, Sheriff Jacob becomes fearful, Kate buries her sin in a notebook full of good deeds, Taylor withdraws from society and becomes ruler of his own kingdom. As the story and characters unfold it makes you ask more questions, who, where, what, and why. As these questions are answered you are reminded that mercy and grace through forgiveness is the only way your burden of sins can be lifted and yet "heaven has a past" and though you can be forgiven you need to hang on to grace and mercy to help you travel the road of what your choices brought you. Each choice, no matter how small, has an impact and the wrong ones can bring the devil to walk amongst you.

The book is sadly a work of fiction but written so well you believe the characters and events and even Rose Red was a true historical event. I don't lThe book is sadly a work of fiction but written so well you believe the characters and events and even Rose Red was a true historical event. I don't like the omitted parts when it was getting good, the authour says she omits some of the diary due to its explicit nature. However, she took away really the good parts when the novel was dragging out. Overall a good read, tedious at times to read, but a good read and I would recommend it....more

This novel is not for everyone but if you are intrigued in the ideology,speech,rhythm of life of the puritans and the Salem witch trials then this booThis novel is not for everyone but if you are intrigued in the ideology,speech,rhythm of life of the puritans and the Salem witch trials then this book is for you. The author gave a fresh perspective and story line of what led to the famous trials. Women and children were property and had no voice or rights. These young ladies through a mixture of true fear of sin and the devil which their puritan environment raised them in, darkness and fear,gave themselves a voice in the community.people and especially important officials pay attention to them and their every word which sent many to death. Some of these officials and others used the girls voice and new status as a way to put their enemies in jail a d gain their property and wealth. I enjoy the intimate story of Sarah, Lucas, and charity within the back drop of the trials and how it effected them. An enjoyable read....more

Colliding the 1920 circa era Italian Mafia with the Amish is an unique idea that worked surprisingly well! For those who got bored on Amish Novels, thColliding the 1920 circa era Italian Mafia with the Amish is an unique idea that worked surprisingly well! For those who got bored on Amish Novels, this will spark your interest again and for those who don't like them...try it I bet you will love this novel. Awesome!...more

**spoiler alert** The Descent is the final book in "The Taker" series. Out of all three novels, "The Taker"; "The Reckoning"; "The Descent"; "The Desc**spoiler alert** The Descent is the final book in "The Taker" series. Out of all three novels, "The Taker"; "The Reckoning"; "The Descent"; "The Descent" was disappointing. Though still a good read, I felt the story was forced into another story line so the series could end. Although Adair being a god was not far fetched, how he came into the mortal world clashes with the Adair came to be from the other novels. Though Ms. Katsu waives this away with the explanation that a great magician in the underworld placed new memories in Adair head to protect him and us mortals from his power. But this does not explain why Adair aged and needed a new body to become immortal and kept searching for the perfect one, which being Johnathan until Lanny ruined that. Then again maybe I missed something. Overall, loved the whole series and I encourage everyone to read them!...more

I didn't realize that this was the second book in Burkholder murder mysteries, though this novel stands alone I am going to read the first book becausI didn't realize that this was the second book in Burkholder murder mysteries, though this novel stands alone I am going to read the first book because I can't stand reading or watching series out of order. nevertheless this novel kept my attention, though there was some points that the build up plot was exhausted.towards the end is when things picked up. definitely going to read the first novel then onward to the third....more

If you love the classics Sickens and/or an old fashion ghost story,then this is a novel for you. The writing is phenomenal and the story is always pulIf you love the classics Sickens and/or an old fashion ghost story,then this is a novel for you. The writing is phenomenal and the story is always pulling you in.......more

POPPiNG WOW WOW WOW. Ms. Bonnie Grove's Novel is a breathe of fresh air! "Talking to the Dead" is about a young 20-something woman named Kate who recePOPPiNG WOW WOW WOW. Ms. Bonnie Grove's Novel is a breathe of fresh air! "Talking to the Dead" is about a young 20-something woman named Kate who recently loss her husband, Kevin. The day of his funeral, Kate starts hearing Kevin's voice. After that this novel is one that is not predictable and it takes you into the development of the story that you never thought you would be lead to. Along the way you cry, you laugh, and you want to put up your dukes in Kate's defense. Though the Title "Talking to the Dead" is easily assumed it is because Kate talks to her dead husband...I came to realize throughout the book the Title has a deeper meaning of "dead" and what is to be "alive" along with what is "normal", "Friendship", "Love". Talking to the dead to me was Kate trying to talk to people who supposedly "loved" her, "cared for her", "her friends", "those who were entrusted in caring for her mental health" but no one seem to listen. It also meant to me her past memories that were repressed kept resurfacing; which meant talking to these dead memories that were coming alive......a great book that transcends the formulated rote Christian novel and anyone, even those with 'clogged spiritual pipe" can appreciate and even find healing and hope.....more

What can I say but POPPING WOW! Ms. Leanna Ellis is a genius in combining two high marketable book genres into one incredible novel! Amish collides wiWhat can I say but POPPING WOW! Ms. Leanna Ellis is a genius in combining two high marketable book genres into one incredible novel! Amish collides with Vampires would seem like a lame move to get on the Amish and Vampire Band-Wagon money maker novels; however, Ms. Ellis does an amazing job to step around any cheezy 'stereotypes' and provide a story that has your adrenaline rushing through every word, your heart pounding with every turn of the page. A book that will have you mesmerize and wanting more. I won't describe what happens, that takes away from the fun of this book. Please pick up this copy and read it! AWESOME!!!! You will never see Amish or Vampires in the same light again. Yes, BTW, it is also a Christian Genre book with great message within the pages. BRAVO Ms. ELLIS! I even bought a copy (Kindle) for my friend and told her MUST MUST MUST READ!...more

I really wanted to love this novel; especially it was in the Amish genre without being actually Amish. Randi with an "i" is from Seattle from a ModernI really wanted to love this novel; especially it was in the Amish genre without being actually Amish. Randi with an "i" is from Seattle from a Modern Mennonite Church. Ted is from an Old Order Mennonite Community. From there the story line gets predictable. One could easily read the first three chapters and skip to the last one and knows what went on and did not miss much; except food dishes name and how many times Randi and Ted disagree. So here is the break down, and yes this is the whole conversation most part throughout the book and it's references to scenarios. 1. Randi loves Red. Red Cell Phone, Red Boots, Red Tennis Shoes, Red Lipstick, Red Purse, and when she compromises and wears a skirt that is not thigh high- it has to have big Red Buttons. 2. It rains a lot in Seattle, so she is surprise at all the snow in Minneapolis (or somewhere around there). 3. Ted and Randi disagree. Yet Ted Compromises and sees good value in women to start wearing pants to keep warm in winter in his community and wives and husbands (with their families) should sit together in church during worship. 4. Randi has to keep explaining internet and web-camming to everyone and her new modern lingo she brought into the community is welcomed and appreciated. 5. Randi and Ted fall in love. 6. Food is everywhere in the book. Thus Randi decides to learn how to cook and bake; especially cinnamon rolls - hence that is Ted's favorites. 7. The Christmas Pageant is a Success! Despite, Theresa, the Virgin Mary for the play, runs off with a single man in the community because Theresa is pregnant and they are not married. (This was the juicy part of the book and I thought alas we are digging into deep stuff). Then Randi has a confession to Ted, (here I thought more juicy stuff). She was gossiped as being pregnant (let down, Randi may be immodest sporting gal with technology and savvy of the world, but her purity and virtue is still hard-core Mennonite and no sinning on her part). But it was her period was out of whack. She never could be pregnant. After that is back to the same ole rote in my points 1-6.

Each to their own, but if this was not a Free Kindle Book..I would ask for my money back!...more

I wanted fluff, but good fluff. What I got is cringing, immature eye-rolling lame sarcasm. Some parts were funny, but it seem the one-liner sarcasm woI wanted fluff, but good fluff. What I got is cringing, immature eye-rolling lame sarcasm. Some parts were funny, but it seem the one-liner sarcasm would not end. *sigh* I did enjoy the premise of the storyline; however I could not finish it. I skipped to the end, and yes it all went down like I thought it would....more

Though an older horror novel, it kept me guessing and many turns and twists in the plot was unexpected. definitely sent chills down my spine and keptThough an older horror novel, it kept me guessing and many turns and twists in the plot was unexpected. definitely sent chills down my spine and kept me glued to the pages....more

**spoiler alert** Lucy is a chambermaid, yearning to be educated and more what her station in life as a servant and a woman can bring her. Her wits, c**spoiler alert** Lucy is a chambermaid, yearning to be educated and more what her station in life as a servant and a woman can bring her. Her wits, charm, intelligence, and her feisty spirit leads her down a road in finding justice for her murdered friend Bessie, and the other young ladies who fell victim to a murderer. Who did it? Was it her Master's son Adam? He has been acting strangely, coming in the wee hours with blood on his clothes Was it the scandalous painter, who even seduced her Master's wife and also painted Bessie in the nude? Was it her brother, Will who did not want to be tied down with a wife a child for Bessie was his sweetheart and she was pregnant. A good little mystery that leaves you guessing at the end, though I must admit the murderer was on top of my list of suspects; however as the story progressed, I saw him as a less of a figure...thus it was not a shocker, yet a shocker when it is discovered who did it. What I love about this novel is that it brought to life the life for the mid-1600's in Europe. The fate of being born of noble birth or one of a servant and alas as a man or a woman really set forth your life. You did not have many choices if you were a servant, and worse a woman. I really appreciate how the author, Ms. Susanna Calkins based her story on true historical murders for this time period and shown how the plague and the great London Fire changed how life was live in the "new' London. My complaint is bringing in the plague and the changing lives of the Magistrate family distracted from the story line, which was the murder mystery. I felt we took a little tour off the story and I was wondering if the murder-mystery was ever going to be told. Overall, a nice rainy day read....more

Amity & Sorrow are two sibling sisters who lived a sheltered life. They do not know life outside of their father’s polygamous lifestyle and familyAmity & Sorrow are two sibling sisters who lived a sheltered life. They do not know life outside of their father’s polygamous lifestyle and family. They have one Father who thinks He is God and several mothers. This all changes when one frightful night their biological mother pulls them out and escape into the night. They crash in Oklahoma and salvation comes in an unlikely farmer named Bradley who needs rescuing himself. This novel by Peggy Riley was an unique read. The writing style was poetic and I could feel as if a prophet was telling this story. Though I glean several elements from the story line, one that kept coming back to me is the cautionary tale that one does not have to live in a polygamous lifestyle to be brought up in a cult like mind. Many dysfunctional families children, as they grow into adults, have liken their experiences of growing up as being ‘brainwashed’ and almost like ‘cult like’ thinking. Even outside that, one may fall into a cult even they are in a mainstream religion. One in particular that comes in my mind amongst my fellow Catholics is one of Medjugorje and other false visionaries. They cannot see beyond it and forsake sane doctrine for these types of visionaries (false prophets) and teachings. Another thought that came to my mind is a word of warning of raising children too narrow minded, too sheltered, and believing ignorance is a blessing. I shall caution this novel is not for everyone. The writing style is off-beat yet perfect for this type of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoy it....more

I really wanted to love this book and it seems the only parts I half way enjoy was Isa's retelling of her story in the 1930-1940s South. One could reaI really wanted to love this book and it seems the only parts I half way enjoy was Isa's retelling of her story in the 1930-1940s South. One could really skip through chapters and not miss much. The ending was predictable. Throughout the read I had notions of "The Help" and "Driving Miss Daisy" colliding.......more

“The Taker” is historical fiction, gothic characters, and walks on both good and evil. The Authour, Alma Katsu , pays tribute to the Prince of Darknes“The Taker” is historical fiction, gothic characters, and walks on both good and evil. The Authour, Alma Katsu , pays tribute to the Prince of Darkness and Goth, Edgar Allen Poe. Lenore, the main character of this novel, is brought into the Local St. Andrew’s E.R., where she encounters the E.R. doctor and the hospital’s surgeon Luke. He thinks this will be a ho-hum other evening of bums, drunks, and wife-beaters. Then he encounters Lenore. What is she? Who is she? Lanore, nicked named Lanny, has a fantastic tale to tell, and he gets caught up in her escape and in her life! Those who are Edgar Allen Poe fans will see similarity of Lenore of Poe’s Poem. There is also a nod to Poe’s “The Cask of the Amontillado” . There is no doubt that Katsu has written a Fairy-Tale for Grown-ups even Mr. Edgar Allan Poe would be pleased with. Makes me wonder if Lanore and Poe ever cross pathe in this amazing tale? “The Taker” the first book of the Trilogy is one adventure after another. What got me, that once I thought I had it figure out, I had to reposition my view. There are surprises, no end of adventure, and a dark fairy tale I never read before. I really think M.Night Shyamalan would have a field day making a movie off this book....more

Welcome to Alice’s adventure from Blue Island, IL. to Wonderland Creek, KY. Alice is a book fanatic and enjoys the adventure her novels’ characters b Welcome to Alice’s adventure from Blue Island, IL. to Wonderland Creek, KY. Alice is a book fanatic and enjoys the adventure her novels’ characters bring her, because she feels her life is humdrum and boring. When her quiet and quaint life as a librarian comes to an end, due to the cutbacks the depression left in its plagued cloud that swept the nation, Alice decides to deliver donated books to the back hill’s library of Wonderland Creek. Never would she have guess she would find herself in several adventures and predicaments that would even make her beloved fiction novel characters shake their heads in disbelief. Ms. Lynn Austin created a rollicking fun novel that carries a heartfelt meaning of true faith and working for God, or rather “working with God”. What is great about this novel it does not ‘preach’ and Ms. Austin did not use those teeth clinching ‘clichés’ nor those eye rolling ‘Christian bumper sticker philosophy or one liners’. Austin created a magical world of the depression era of the Appalachian mountains of KY. Through characters you fall in love with and carry in your heart even after you read the last page of this beautiful novel. A novel even the non-Christian reader would enjoy. “Wonderland Creek” is a true adventure with laughter, sadness, a true capture of the Appalachian mountain folk, and a novel that leaves you wanting for more. I encourage anyone to go to their local library and check this gem of a book out....more

There are ghosts on black mountain and they carry dark secrets. Many of them revolve around a villain name Hobbs and four women narrate their story inThere are ghosts on black mountain and they carry dark secrets. Many of them revolve around a villain name Hobbs and four women narrate their story in connection to the ghost' s and their dark secrets and their relationship to Hobbs. A WELL crafted mastermind of a tale that will never leave you....more

“The Bad Seed” by William March was originally published in 1954 and used terms such as ‘psychopath’ ,such a term was not used frequently during this“The Bad Seed” by William March was originally published in 1954 and used terms such as ‘psychopath’ ,such a term was not used frequently during this time and very shocking referring to a little girl. A little girl named Rhoda who has no conscience and only mimic what adults want from her, which makes her quite charming is actually a born killer. I struggle to give this book a star rating. Base on the era this book was written, it is in fact a four star rating. "Bad Seed" was advance in its time in psycho-thriller and its portrayal of children murderers and the debate if people are born this way or is it environmental, or can environment can cancel out the ‘bad seed’ within born killers. Nature vs. Nurture, debate is very strong in this novel. I can see how the reader audience of its day was shock and horrified to read this book. IF this book was written within the last 10 years, I would have rated it at a 3 star rating. The Feud’ism conversation, the contrast of Rhoda was super obedient, polite, and charming, to the adults-whom the authour make seem like babbling idiots to the point when Rhoda would comment "you are silly" to an adult, I would say "yeah I can see that Rhoda, you little psycho murder you" made this book very dry to read and too hard to believe. Overall, the ending did get a gasp out of me and the book is worthwhile read. Please go to your local library and check it out. Now I cannot wait to read both versions of the movies of this book. ...more

“The Observations” is an off-the-beaten-path type of novel, Jane Harris created a well written novel that still haunts me, as I finished the last page“The Observations” is an off-the-beaten-path type of novel, Jane Harris created a well written novel that still haunts me, as I finished the last page. Ms. Harris formulates a tale of mystery, psychological twister, a chilling-haunting, and murder that is interwoven with historical details and the great psychological pursuit and devices of its day. There are times, Ms. Harris, lets your imaginations fill in the details of the story- which makes you wanted her to fill it in herself because your mind was taking on disturbing thoughts of ‘imagining’ what happened. This is only one aspect how this book brings the dark- shadowing of the events within this story and how you let your own mind not be too reliable in piecing together what is going on. The synopsis of this story is a girl named Bessy is trying to flee from a past, which you find out throughout the read was one of horrible means. She is merely a child who was forced to grow up quickly. She stumbles upon a home that is mistaken as a Castle, because it is referred to a Castle but all it is a once fashionable home that was been neglected and is falling down around the owners on an estate (which is an early indicator of the relationship of the characters involved) that holds farm animals. Bessy is taken as a house-maid for the ‘missus’ and there that is where the story gets fascinating…….An enjoyable read but it is not your typical formulated read and it was not made for light reading. This book is not for everyone. However, you like to read something that is not mainstream, not written in generic formulated plot fashion, and then I would encourage you to go to your local library and seek out this book. Though, this book not being your typical Wal-Mart shelve variety novel…the local library may not house it. But it would not hurt to try....more

At 19 years old a half-mad woman is a widow by her own hands. Her husband's brothers are after revenge and track her through the Canadian wilderness.At 19 years old a half-mad woman is a widow by her own hands. Her husband's brothers are after revenge and track her through the Canadian wilderness. Along her journey she encounters different characters , while her own identity and story unfolds. Beautiful entrancing tale of the early 1900's that left me breathless and an understanding that we all are outlanders.......more